Eternal Reefs is a company that uses cremated ashes to create an artificial reef ball that is added to a living coral reef, which helps restore marine habitats by attracting fish and other organisms.Capsula Mundi is an Italian concept that encapsulates the body in an egg-shaped organic container to feed a tree that’s planted above it.If the idea of becoming one with nature is appealing to you, there are a wide variety of unique options to consider: Whether or not to have a viewing beforehand.Preferences for biodegradable coffins, organic or non-toxic embalming fluid, etc.Ceremony preferences (passages read, flowers used, music, etc.).Include where you’d like the burial to take place, such as a mortuary that is certified to perform green services. Do you want to be buried in a set location that your visitors know? Do you want to be cremated and have your ashes scattered? Do you want to have a traditional burial, but have it performed by a green funeral home/cemetery?īecause of the wide variety of options available today, it’s important to make sure your final wishes are written down and that your preferences are clearly listed. And with each option, there are plenty of things to consider. These essential oils degrade without leaving trace chemicals in the soil.įor a more conventional approach, there are many ways to ensure your final arrangements are environmentally friendly. There are alternative chemical-free embalming oils that may be used instead when needed. Natural burials don’t use traditional embalming fluid. In most cases, these burials use materials and storage containers that are biodegradable and environmentally friendly by avoiding: The characteristics of a green funeral will vary, but most share several similarities aimed at reducing the environmental impact of end-of-life arrangements. It is simply placed in a biodegradable container and interred in a gravesite to decompose fully and return to nature. In a typical green burial, the body is not cremated, prepared with chemicals, or buried in a concrete vault.
Also called natural burial or eco-friendly burial, green burial emphasizes simplicity and sustainability. Green burial is designed to have a minimal environmental impact and conserve natural resources.